The Voice is back after a short break and if the first night of auditions is any indication of what’s to come, I am really excited.

Here’s what I saw:

The four coaches (Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine) opened the show with their version of Start Me Up – it was actually pretty good. We found it from host Carson Daly that each coach would select 16 singers this season and there was going to be a twist that would shake things up.

Terry McDermott, 35 – This Scotsman, who now resides in New Orleans, blew the lid off a Who song. Finally near the end of the song the three guys swung their chairs around. Terry chose Blake saying he wanted to be with last season’s winning coach.

De’Borah, 25 – I was sort of shocked to find out De’Borah was a she. I’m not knocking her, I just saw Erkel right away – that may be my bad. Good voice, but I found it very different to watch. Cee Lo and Christina turned around and she choose Christina.

Gracia Harrison, 25, country singer and yodeller – Adam was around first, followed by Blake then Cee Lo. Adam and Cee Lo both said she was the best country singer they’ve had in their three seasons, but she still chose Blake. Adam was really pissed.

Garrett Gardner, 16, soul singer – His dad was a jazz musician who played with Peter Frampton and Tom Jones at some point during his career. His father died of cancer two years ago. Nobody turned their chairs, two thought about, which surprised me. The judges actually gave him some really good encouraging words (That is the one thing that really stands out to me about these four, they really seem to want to help the contestants.)

Devyn Deloera, 20 – Devyn had the guts to sing a Christina song and did a very good job. Everyone but Cee Lo turned and she went with Christina.

Bryan Keith, 22 – His dad has won two Grammys as a singer with a Spanish band. Bryan didn’t want to use his dad’s influence to get in the business, he wanted to make it on his own. He was really good and had all the chairs spinning. Bryan eventually chose Adam.

Daniel Rosa, 21 – Daniel is back again after a failed attempt where he was pitchy last season. Unique voice and he has improved. Blake and Cee Lo first to turn and they definitely remembered him. All four judges remembered him and said they were very happy to see him back and glad that he took their advice. Daniel chose to be on Cee Lo’s team.

Anita Antoinette, 22 – Anita, originally from Jamaica and a grad of the Berkley College of Music, naturally sang a Bob Marley song. It didn’t have enough feeling and no coaches turned around. Adam told her that song needed more feeling and Anita asked if she could do it for them a cappella knowing her fate was already sealed. WOW! Did she ever make a mistake not doing that the first time. All four judges encouraged her to come back next season.

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